Event Swag Selection

The shape of things to come—from shrinking packaging to expanding possibilities. Packaging, like a chameleon, continually evolves to meet the demands of brand owners and consumers. Every year, countless innovations quietly refine materials and processes, often escaping notice—these subtle improvements, hidden within materials and processes, represent genuine progress within the industry. Sustainability has undeniably taken the spotlight, spurring innovation as consumers, regulators, and brands increasingly acknowledge the environmental impact of packaging waste. Innovation across the board aims to do more with less—less material, less energy, less water. It's about making packaging easier to recycle, reuse, and biodegrade. We're all on a perpetual hunt for that elusive silver bullet solution, striving for the perfect balance between functionality and environmental responsibility. This spurred Swedish research leader Innventia to team up with Anna Glansén and Hanna Billqvist from "Tomorrow Machine" to develop an intriguing solution for freeze-dried food. At the core of their creation lies a patented cellulose-based composite material, combining plastic's versatility with eco-friendliness. Its compressibility is fascinating and promises cost-efficient shipping and reduced environmental footprint. Pour warm liquid into the packaging, and things really start to get interesting... Watch as the pack springs to life, shaping into a handy serving bowl, ready for your meal—this is more than science and design; it's a perfect blend of innovation and sustainability, elevating your dining experience while reducing waste. Beyond science and design, it's a vivid reminder that innovation knows no boundaries. It's all about breaking free from the ordinary and forging unexpected connections. Living proof that magic happens when science and design come together. As for what lies ahead in the exciting world of sustainable design and packaging innovation, the answers are yet to be discovered. But one thing is clear—the journey ahead is full of untapped creativity and endless possibilities. What's your take on this format—gimmick, or potential gamechanger? #packagingdesign #productdesign #sustainablepackaging #sustainability #sustainabledesign 📷Anna Glansén/Hanna Billqvist

I'm sure you have seen these types of photo strips featuring 3-4 pictures lately. It's a nostalgic nod to the vintage, coin-operated photo booths found in Western malls and arcades of the 1980s and 1990s. Fueled partly by the global South Korean "Life4Cuts" trend and a broader craving for all things retro, it is seeing a massive resurgence. Of course, this kind of photo booth was never a thing in India back then, so for us, the format feels entirely fresh. I’ve seen them popping up outside restaurants with the venue's branding at the bottom, and as standalone booths in malls. The cost typically ranges from Rs. 200–400 for two identical strips, allowing you to strike a few poses (and choose which ones to print) and print a copy for yourself and one for your companion - perfect for social sharing! In an era where thousands of digital photos sit forgotten in smartphone clouds, the novelty of a tangible, instantly printed photo holds immense currency. I recently came across a nifty use-case for this at a wedding I attended in Chennai. The team manning the booth had a wonderfully lightweight setup - just a box-like camera unit and a printer that they hauled right out of the boot of a car. Set up in a corner of the marriage hall, it instantly became the hottest spot for guests looking to snap a quick frame, completely free of charge. Plus, a QR code popped up after the snap, on the screen, which when scanned, sends the photo's digital copy too! The real masterstroke, however, was the custom overlay featuring the bride and groom’s initials, wedding hashtag, and date. While mall booths are usually blank and restaurant booths carry corporate logos, this personalized touch transforms a simple photo into a high-retention souvenir. By putting the guests in the frame, the couple cleverly leveraged our own vanity to ensure their wedding gets a permanent, long-term spot on our refrigerators. It’s a brilliant piece of experiential marketing disguised as a wedding favor. #marketing #creativity

Love affair with transparency, flexible pouches. They becoming one of the defining aesthetics of beauty gifting and seasonal packaging. From holiday coffrets to travel kits and limited-edition launches, transparent pouches are evolving from a simple accessory into an integral part of the product experience. They combine practicality, visual merchandising and premium design, making the product itself the hero! >>WHY transparency works Consumers make purchasing decisions within seconds, making visibility a powerful sales driver. Transparent packaging builds trust by letting shoppers instantly see the product, encouraging confidence and impulse purchases. It also reflects consumers' growing preference for authenticity, allowing the product itself to become the main visual asset Transparent pouches are especially relevant for seasonal beauty collections, adding reusable value beyond the gift itself. Their flexibility also makes them ideal for limited editions, thanks to shorter production runs, faster time-to-market and lower logistics costs. The global flexible pouch packaging market is projected to reach USD 306.7 billion by 2034, driven by growth in beauty, personal care and e-commerce >>AESTHETIC references Transparent pouches tap into multiple design directions at once, blending Y2K nostalgia with futuristic, sci-fi aesthetics. Glossy finishes, coloured zippers and translucent materials create a playful feel, while frosted surfaces, monochromatic graphics and refined typography elevate the format into a more premium expression >>MATERIAL innovation +TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): Premium look, high clarity +EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): Soft-touch finish, lightweight +rPET (Recycled PET): Transparent material made with recycled content +Mono-material PE or PP: Designed to improve recyclability +Premium finishes: Embossing, frosted textures, holographic films, metallic zippers and bold graphics enhance the overall perception and create a more elevated look. >>DESIGN considerations The main challenge of transparent packaging is avoiding a mass-market or low-cost perception. Premium brands elevate the format through distinctive shapes, bold graphics, sculptural zippers, custom hardware and layered printing. By treating transparency as part of the visual architecture, they balance product, graphics and negative space, turning transparency itself into the design language. >>DOES it matters to you? Transparent beauty pouches go beyond packaging, combining visibility, practicality and reusability. As seasonal gifting shifts towards longer-lasting formats, transparent coffrets become desirable accessories that extend the brand experience well beyond the initial purchase Featured brands: Cheebana Byredo Comme des Garçons Espoir Jumiso Madpeach MAY MBOOM Laneige Linfusion Organize a Bit TONYMOLY Tongyanji 3INA Makeup #beautypackaging #beautyindustry #beautybusiness #flexiblepackaging

𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥, 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 ! Glass, Wood, Paper, Plastic bags, Clothes, Ceramic and Clay, Cardboard were used earlier for packaging. But, the trend, design, need have been changed. Modern packaging have included materials like Biodegradable Paper Boxes, Glass Jars, Reusable Tin Boxes, Plant-based Packaging, Compostable Cutlery, Seaweed-based Packaging, Mason Jars etc. Packaging In the Food delivery market, smart packaging is emerging as a game changer for food businesses, driving significant growth and enhancing customer loyalty. With platforms like Swiggy and Zomato serving millions of orders daily, consumers now expect more than just a hot meal—they’re looking for an immersive experience that starts the moment the food arrives. Innovative packaging not only helps businesses differentiate themselves but also allows them to justify premium pricing. Studies suggest that eco-conscious packaging leads to increased consumer trust, with sustainable brands seeing up to 20% higher retention rates. As environmental concerns grow, particularly in countries like India, where plastic waste reaches over 9 million metric tons annually, companies are transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives. Brands like Pot Pot and Aflatoon have turned packaging into a strategic business asset by offering reusable containers and reducing plastic waste. The result? Enhanced customer experience and increased sales. Pot Pot, for example, delivers meals in reusable glass jars and cloth potlis, while Behrouz Biryani's metal handi dum biryani has become a talking point among customers. With innovations like leak-proof paper boxes, interlocking designs, and even AR-enabled packaging, businesses are connecting with consumers in exciting new ways. Smart packaging isn’t just about the look—it’s about how brands communicate their values and build a lasting relationship with their customers. As more brands tap into these trends, it’s clear that the future of food delivery will be driven by sustainability, creativity, and customer engagement, making packaging as vital as the food itself. #delivery #packaging #smartpacking #foodparcels #paperboxes #creativity #innovation #newtrends #design #fmcgindustry #customerexperience #foodpacking #businesscommunication #ecofriendly #sustainable

What if I told you that a ₹200 investment could turn into a profitable handmade business? Most people think you need a huge budget to start a business. But sometimes, the best ideas come from creativity—not capital. I recently came across a business where creators transform mini canvases into personalized fridge magnets. The process is simple: 🎨 Paint or print an image on a mini canvas. 🖌️ Apply hot glue and press a decorative stamp to create a beautiful textured effect. 🖼️ Paint the edges to make it look like a premium framed artwork. 🧲 Attach a magnet to the back. That’s it. A unique handmade product is ready. The best part? These products can be customized for almost every occasion: • Birthdays • Weddings • Anniversaries • Baby showers • Couple gifts • Travel souvenirs • Corporate gifting • Festivals • Pet portraits • Personalized names and quotes Why this business has potential People today don’t just buy products—they buy personalized memories. Handmade gifts have a much higher emotional value than mass-produced items, which is why customers are willing to pay a premium. With the rise of Instagram, Pinterest, Etsy, and local gifting businesses, demand for customized products continues to grow. A single viral Reel can bring in dozens of orders without spending heavily on advertising. How to start * Source mini canvases, acrylic paints, hot glue, decorative stamps, magnets, and packaging. * Create 10–20 unique designs to showcase your work. * Start posting short process videos and before-after transformations on Instagram and Facebook. * Offer customization for names, photos, special dates, and events. * Partner with gift shops, cafés, wedding planners, photographers, and event organizers. * Sell through Instagram, WhatsApp Business, marketplaces, or your own website. This is one of those businesses where your creativity becomes your biggest asset. You don’t need a factory or a huge team—just consistency, good design, and content that people love to share. Sometimes, the smallest products create the biggest opportunities. Would you buy a personalized mini artwork for your fridge or gift it to someone special?

Some people say swag is fluff. I could not disagree more. When swag is done well, it becomes an event strategy that multiple other strategies can build from. I started thinking about this recently after I saw a post from Casey S. about a personalized swag activation that had people talking about their company at an industry event. And shout out to Jenny Blaschke who can personalize anything. And I do mean anything. Including hot dogs. But I digress. The point is not the personalization itself. The point is what happens when the item, the experience, the operational plan and the audience all line up. I have seen swag move mountains at events where companies I worked for were exhibiting. And by mountains, I mean outcomes. Create demand for a high value item that causes a line. Have your team work the line. Incentivize the right behaviors including capture of the conversations. Reward the people who stood in line but did not win the high value item with something lower value, but still useful, like a great t-shirt (I swear at some events people collect their entire wardrobe in a matter of days). That is strategy. That is not fluff or wasted money. And it applies just as much to a company’s own hosted events. The reason for this post is because I was reminded of the power of swag when I sat down for dinner tonight and pulled out a pair of Venetian branded wooden chopsticks. I was given them at an event more than 22 years ago. I know this because I was not yet a mom. My son is now in university. So yes, those chopsticks have been with me through babies, toddlers, teenagers, many dinners, multiple moves and a whole lot of life. The logo is barely visible now. But I still know exactly where they came from. I remember the event. I remember who gave them to me even - and although he’s long gone from the Venetian I reminded him of the chopsticks when we saw each other again in person only a few years ago. And every time I use them, there is a tiny little brand memory attached to something incredibly ordinary. Dinner. That is kind of wild when you think about it. I have another example sitting on my kitchen counter right now. A salt holder I was also given pre kids. It used to sit on a branded wooden base, which has long since disappeared, because of course it has. But the salt holder itself has survived every kitchen clean out, every move and every phase where I convinced myself I was finally going to declutter properly. It still made the cut. And I still remember who gave it to me and what company they worked for. Here’s looking at you, Jennifer Glynn. That is the power of good swag. It’s useful. It’s relevant. It creates a memory. It supports a business objective. And most importantly, it gives your team something to activate around. The best swag is not about putting your logo on something random and hoping people care. It is about understanding the audience, the moment, the memory you want to create and the behaviour you want to drive. So please, let’s stop dismissing swag as fluff. But let’s call poorly thought out swag what it actually is. A missed opportunity.

What if the packaging cooked away with the meal? An algae-based edible film is being developed to dissolve completely during cooking, turning packaging from waste into part of the process. A New York startup, NakedPak, is working on a food-grade film designed for dry and frozen foods such as pasta, rice, oats, ramen and vegetables. Once placed in boiling water, the packaging disappears within minutes, leaving no residue and no impact on taste. Before cooking, the film can even be rinsed under cold or warm water, much like washing fresh produce. Rather than improving recyclability or compostability, this approach removes the disposal step altogether. It's also more convenient. The pack behaves more like a natural food skin than a traditional barrier. It's edible, food-grade and compliant with international safety standards. Biodegradable, compostable and microplastic-free. There's a launch planned for mid-2026. NakedPak is one of 10,959 packaging innovations on ThePackHub's Innovation Zone platform. Edible and dissolvable packaging isn’t new. So what will decide whether this finally moves from concept to commercial success? Would love to hear your thoughts. #packaginginnovation #sustainablepackaging #InnovationZone #foodpackaging #packaging

I love puzzles, so imagine my delight when I received this in my mailbox!!! I received a cute little box from the Halifax Convention Centre.  They are always so thoughtful about sending fun creative, gifts, but THIS ONE TAKES THE CAKE! The “gift” was in the form of a puzzle box! Yes, you read that right—a puzzle box designed to not only capture your imagination but to immerse you in the charming allure of Halifax itself. 🌊🦞 In an age where digital activations are everywhere, this tactile experience feels refreshingly inventive. The puzzle box takes you on a journey through the city's iconic landmarks, captivating history, and fun facts. So why is this such a win, especially for us in the meetings and events industry? Here’s why → 💫Enhanced Engagement: Attendees or prospects are far more likely to interact with a physical, hands-on item like a puzzle box than yet another digital flyer. 🧩    💫Memorable Experience: A well-crafted, tactile marketing piece leaves a lasting impression, making your destination top-of-mind for future events. 🤔➡️🎯    💫Holistic Storytelling: Through visuals and interactivity, a puzzle box can convey the ambiance and highlights of a location in a way that static print or digital media can't. 🌆📖 Activations like this puzzle box aren't just fun; they're strategic tools for capturing attention and telling a compelling story. 🎉 Kudos to the brilliant minds behind this, especially Susanne MacLeod, Dawn Baldwin and the fabulous team at the Halifax Convention Centre . 🙌 Have you been witness to any true “out of the box” (no pun intended) marketing activations as of late? Share your stories below! To always surprising and delighting, Leanne 🍵 P.S. If you're looking to take your next meeting or event to an unforgettable destination, do yourself a favor and check out Discover Halifax the Halifax Convention Centre! Cheers! 🥂    #EventProfs #HalifaxConventionCentre #Engagement #InnovativeMarketing #personalbranding #levelupwithleanne _________________________________________ 😃 Hey, I’m Leanne (aka the #LinkedInLady) ☕Tea-drinker and raging #introvert 🥰Helping you land more opportunities using your personal brand and LinkedIn Want more LinkedIn and Branding insights?   🛎️Ring my bell! #️⃣Follow #levelupwithleanne to file the goodies for another day  😊Are you a fellow introvert?  Slide into my DMs to say “hi”!

Sprinto at SaaStr Ai raffled a private helicopter tour of SF as a booth prize. It happened a while back, but I still bring it up as the gold standard of swag. Everyone else at the event was handing out pens and totes (not to downgrade the utility of a tote), but Sprinto was handing out a story people will tell for months. That's what swag is supposed to do - make you memorable. Your attendees can't take a 'good' conversation home, but a genuinely memorable piece of swag will definitely keep you in their thoughts long after the event ends. Some other things that stood out to me recently: - Anthropic gave out totes and caps embroidered with "thinking," a nod to Claude's extended thinking feature. It turned into a status symbol on the AI scene. That only works because it's not a generic cap. It's an inside joke for people who actually use the product and something its users will remember. - Cursor gave its power users an oversized, fully working 'Tab' key as exclusive merch. People on Reddit treat it like a collectible. Nobody's throwing that away. - n8n runs its own branded event in Berlin and built streetwear collections with an actual fashion designer for it, not just a logo-on-a-hoodie. They are actual pieces people would wear outside the conference. Having attended 100s of events, I know a bunch of stuff ends up in hotel trash cans before it exits the venue. So here's an actual filter before you spend thousands of dollars on your gifting: will people post about it or simply accept it? #eventmarketing #swag #gtm

RETHINKING PACKAGING FOR A FUTURE BEYOND 2028, Part 3 Climate-Smart Packaging: The Future of Waste-Free Design Part 4: https://lnkd.in/gbPR_yyE Part 1: https://lnkd.in/gQ4Xiyez What if packaging could vanish after use or even help clean the planet? Climate change is speeding up, and packaging must keep up. Designers are crafting materials that vanish, withstand extremes, and prevent waste from the start. This is about sustainability—it is a full rethink of packaging’s role in the environment. Self-Destructing & Disappearing Packaging Plastic waste remains a massive problem. The next generation of materials is designed to break down safely, leaving no trace. Innovations Leading the Change - Notpla’s Seaweed-Based Film – An edible, compostable material that dissolves naturally, replacing single-use plastics. - Mori’s Silk-Based Food Coating – A protective, edible coating made from silk protein that extends freshness without plastic wrap. - Polymateria’s Time-Controlled Bioplastic – Designed to degrade in months without releasing microplastics, setting a new standard in biodegradability. Packaging Built for Extreme Conditions Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather demand smarter packaging. Designs must withstand harsh conditions while reducing environmental impact. Smart Packaging for a Changing World - VarieT° Technology’s Thermal Battery Packaging – A self-heating and self-cooling material that protects products in extreme climates. - Nosh’s Self-Heating Meal Packaging – A package that warms food with a pull-tab, perfect for places without kitchen access. - Algae-Based Water Bottles – Seaweed-based bottles that biodegrade in weeks, even in marine environments. Recyclable materials often end up in landfills. The next step is eliminating waste before it begins. Brands Pioneering Circular Packaging The Coca-Cola Company’s Reusable Bottle Stations – Encouraging customers to refill their bottles instead of buying new ones. Amazon’s AI-Powered Package Sizing – Uses AI to reduce excess packaging by ensuring boxes match product dimensions exactly. Loop's Zero-Waste Packaging System – A network of returnable, refillable containers used by brands like P&G and Unilever. Circular packaging removes waste from the equation. Products arrive in containers designed to be reused, not thrown away. Innovators continue pushing the limits of what packaging can do. What’s ahead? - Living packaging that grows plants after disposal. - Self-cleaning materials that reduce the need for excess wrapping. - Carbon-absorbing materials that help fight pollution. "Will packaging of the future be defined by what it holds—or by what it leaves behind?" Next, we explore circular packaging—how refillable, returnable, and regenerative designs are replacing single-use waste. #SustainableDesign #EcoPackaging #FutureOfPackaging #thedesignfuture #ZeroWaste #CircularEconomy